Last weeks forecast missed the mark a bit as my expecation of 'West is best' as the predominant weather pattern for the week turned more southerly than expected and it killed ocean water temps. Reports of temps in the 50's abound. Fluke fishing suffered as a result.

Looking ahead to this week, well unfortunately it probably pays to keep your expectations in check. No need to drone on about regulations but options for putting together a catch are severely limited at the moment. Until the water warms again, you may as well avoid the ocean for fluke. Sure, you may get lucky and box a couple but your best chance for any consistent action remains the bays and rivers and again focus on the outgoing tide as the incoming frigid ocean water will shut down any bite quickly.

The challenge this week for 'inside' fluke fishing will be dealing with the massive boat traffic for this holiday week. Probably best to focus your efforts early and late day when traffic is not at it's crest.

If you do decide to give the ocean a go in pursuit of fluke, focus on structure and at least sea bass is now open again where you can keep a couple. No great shakes there but always nice to add to a mixed-bag a couple of nice knot-heads.

Besides fluke, the next best game in town remains shark. Mako numbers will be dwindling with an uptick on Threshers. You don't need to run far to try some inshore shark fishing. Head to an area around your favorite lumps and let the chum run.

One final thing to mention this week. We are heading into biting fly season. Those green-heads and biting black flies are on the upswing and can make your days miserable. You really need to be ready, especially on those days where west wind is predominate.

Fishing has been slow, I don't lie or sugarcoat a report, we have had plenty of action with short fish and sea robins, which the larger size ones are very good eating, but today was a nice showing of keeper fluke!

Had to bounce around looking for life and eventually found some nice keepers to wanted to eat. End the trip with 13 keepers to 7.5 pounds. We have some availability for charter or open boat fluke trips this coming Thursday, Friday and Sunday, August 1, 2, and 4.

Made both morning and afternoon trips again today. On the afternoon trip the wind picked up enough to give us good drifting conditions in Sandy Hook Bay. We picked on every drift with good action with the shorts and some keepers.